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Masonic Past Master Jewel from Ivanhoe Lodge with Case
1912
Maker not marked
USA
A: Metal, glass; B: Leather, silk, velvet
Gift of Robert C. Baker
2006.015.3a-b

a: Gold-tone Masonic Past Master jewel with horizontal pin back. Front of pin is rectangular and engraved "Julius O. Christensen / Ivanhoe Lodge No. 446 1912." Decorative scrollwork is along the sides and top with a petaled flower at top center. Hanging from the center of the pin is a letter "G." Suspended from the pin by a chain is a medal in the shape of an openwork compasses and quadrant. At the top of the compasses is a small clear jewel with rays around. In the center, between the compasses and quadrant is a round sun with blue glass center. b: Black leather folding case that closes with two snaps. The top and bottom are lined with light blue silk; the back is lined with light blue velvet and has a leather loop. One of the side flaps is missing. The top flap is stamped with lettering on the outside, "Barr Jewelry Co. / Kansas City, MO."


Originally owned by the donor's grandfather, Julius O. Christensen (1875-1947) of Kansas City, Missouri. Christensen immigrated to the United States from Odense, Denmark, coming through Ellis Island in 1893. After attending Beloit College in Wisconsin, he married Elizabeth Strack in 1900 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Batavia, Wisconsin. The couple moved to Kansas City, where Julius was employed by the Independent Electric Machinery Company. They had one daughter (the donor's mother), Vera (Christensen) Baker. Julius Christensen petitoned Ivanhoe Lodge in Kansas City in 1906 and was raised on January 17, 1907. He was Worshipful Master in 1912. In 1917, he was named Secretary of the Ivanhoe Masonic Temple Company (the Temple was completed in 1921). Christensen was also active in the York Rite and a member of Ararat Temple of the Shrine. In December 1933 he was Secretary of Ivanhoe Lodge and Kansas City Royal Arch Chapter and Recorder of the Kansas City Commandery of the Knights Templar. Julius O. Christensen died in 1947.